Roma is actively reshaping its football management structure, initiating a formal search for a new sporting director to replace the outgoing Frederic Massara. This move signals a significant shift in the club's operational philosophy, with head coach Gian Piero Gasperini playing a central role in defining the desired profile for the new hire.
The search has moved beyond initial, internal explorations. Early reports indicated the club had sounded out high-profile names such as Juventus' Cristiano Giuntoli, Inter's Piero Ausilio, and free agent Fabio Paratici. However, the focus has now sharpened on two specific targets currently employed by rival Serie A clubs: Giovanni Manna of Napoli and Lee D'Amico of Atalanta.
Both candidates present intriguing but complex options. Manna has been part of the successful structure at Napoli, while D'Amico has been instrumental in Atalanta's recent rise. Securing either would require delicate negotiations with their current employers, as both are under contract. The coming weeks are expected to be decisive as Roma gauges the feasibility of these appointments.
A key factor in this decision is the vision of coach Gian Piero Gasperini. The experienced manager is not merely a passive participant; he is advocating for a specific operational model. Gasperini has proposed a collaborative "ticket" system, where he would work in close partnership with the new director, sharing strategic input on squad building. This represents a hybrid approach, blending elements of the traditional Italian model with the more integrated "English-style" manager role, though without the director title itself.
Gasperini's influence is evident in the shortlist. Sources suggest D'Amico has emerged as the preferred candidate for the coach. This preference is rooted in proven success. Gasperini and D'Amico previously worked together at Atalanta, forming a partnership that was fundamental in constructing the squad that famously won the UEFA Europa League. Their existing rapport and shared football philosophy could provide a seamless transition and accelerate Roma's project.
The need for a new director is intertwined with Gasperini's broader plan for squad improvement. The coach has been clear that Roma's ambitions extend beyond merely qualifying for the Champions League in the current season's final stretch. He has outlined a strategic need to reinforce the squad in specific, critical areas: a full-back, a midfielder, and an attacker. This targeted recruitment aims to add depth and competitiveness to prevent the performance dips experienced this season when key players were unavailable.
Gasperini has publicly referenced players like Malen and Wesley as the type of profiles required, indicating a desire for versatile, high-impact signings. The new sporting director will be tasked with executing this vision, working within a defined budget to secure three or four key signings that can elevate the team's consistency.
The departure of Frederic Massara marks the end of a chapter. His exit, coupled with the earlier fallout involving senior advisor Thiago Pinto, has created a vacuum in the club's sporting leadership. The Friedkin ownership is now clearly charting a new course, one that seeks to align the coach's tactical demands with the club's transfer strategy more directly than ever before.
This director search is therefore about more than just filling a vacancy. It is about establishing a new operational synergy at the heart of AS Roma. The choice between a candidate like Manna, with experience at a title-winning club, and D'Amico, with a direct, successful history with the current coach, will define the club's transfer market approach for the foreseeable future.
The implications for Serie A are notable. A successful partnership between Gasperini and a director like D'Amico could create a formidable and stable project in the capital, potentially challenging the established hierarchy. Conversely, the potential poaching of key figures from Napoli and Atalanta underscores the competitive and interconnected nature of Italian football's front offices.
As the season concludes, all eyes at Trigoria will be on these negotiations. The outcome will not only shape Roma's summer transfer window but will also signal the long-term strategic direction under the Friedkin ownership and the ambitious vision of Gian Piero Gasperini.
Based on reporting from Tuttosport.com - Calcio.